Connectionists: Open PhD positions at Bernstein Center Freiburg, Germany

Fri Jan 31 14:59:19 EST 2014

Dear Computational Neuroscience Community,

Please find below our job posting for PhD positions at the Bernstein Center
Freiburg (BCF), Germany.

Best regards

Birgit Ahrens

PhD position in Neurotechnology and Computational Neuroscience

A PhD position is available in the lab of Carsten Mehring at the Bernstein
Center of the University of Freiburg, Germany. 

This is a new lab, established to study sensorimotor behavior and
brain-machine interfaces. Research topics include: motor adaptation and
motor skill learning; brain-machine and machine-brain interfaces; neuronal
dynamics; decision making. The primary research tools are behavioural
experiments (using virtual reality), electrophysiology and neuroimaging
(EEG, ECoG, fNIRS), transcranial electrical stimulation (tDCS&tACS),
advanced neural signal analysis and computational modeling. 

We invite applications to join the lab for a 3-4 year PhD project, and to
enter the PhD program "iCoNeT" at the Bernstein Center Freiburg. The project
is financed by a fellowship of the DAAD that can only be awarded to
non-German applicants that have not been staying in Germany for more than 15
months at the time of their application.

The Bernstein Center Freiburg concentrates research in Computational
Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg. The projects
are highly interdisciplinary and span across mathematical-theoretical
approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks, neuroanatomy,
experimentally driven neurophysiology and the development of technologies
for medical application.

Please apply using our online form at https://yoda.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/ and
indicate "Mehring" as preferred project. The deadline for applications is
February 28, 2014.

Further details on: www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs
<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> 

PhD position in Experimental Epilepsy Research

The goal Prof. Carola Haas' group of researchers form medicine and biology
is to understand the interplay between molecular, cellular and functional
determinants leading to focal epilepsies in the mammalian brain. Our main
tools are in vivo animal models and in vitro approaches to study the
contribution of new neurons to epileptogenesis in the dentate gyrus network.

We invite applications to join the lab for a 3-4 year PhD project, and to
enter the PhD program "iCoNeT" at the Bernstein Center Freiburg. The project
is financed by a fellowship of the DAAD that can only be awarded to
non-German applicants that have not been staying in Germany for more than 15
months at the time of their application.

The successful applicant has prior training in neuroscience and/or
experience with molecular biological techniques to trace cellular progeny.
Good knowledge of the English language, high motivation for independent
work, but also ability to work in an international team are mandatory.

The Bernstein Center Freiburg concentrates research in Computational
Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg. The projects
are highly interdisciplinary and span across mathematical-theoretical
approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks, neuroanatomy,
experimentally driven neurophysiology and the development of technologies
for medical application.

Please apply using our online form at https://yoda.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/ and
indicate "Haas" as preferred project. The deadline for applications is
February 28, 2014.

Further details on: www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs
<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> 

PhD position on Structure and Dynamics of Cortical Networks in the
Computational Neuroscience lab of Prof. Stefan Rotter

Our goal is to understand the interplay between network topology and spiking
activity dynamics in the neocortex and other parts of the mammalian brain,
and to explore the possibilities and constraints of dynamical brain
function. Our main tools are mathematical/numerical network modeling and
statistical data analysis, often used side by side within the framework of
stochastic point processes and statistical graph theory. In collaboration
with physiologists and anatomists, we seek to develop new perspectives for
the model-based analysis and interpretation of neuronal signals.

We are a young group of researchers from mathematics, physics, computer
science and biology and invite applications to join the lab for a 3-4 year
PhD project, and to enter the PhD program in Computational Neuroscience at
the Bernstein Center Freiburg.

The Bernstein Center Freiburg performs research in Computational
Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The
projects are highly interdisciplinary and span from mathematical-theoretical
approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks over
neuroanatomy and experimentally driven neurophysiology up to the development
of technologies for medical application.

Further details on: www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs
<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> 

PhD position on Closed-Loop Control of Neuronal Networks Using
Machine-Learning Techniques in the Biomicrotechnology lab of Prof. Ulrich
Egert

We are currently offering a PhD position for a candidate with a background
in experimental network neuroscience. 

The project investigates the opportunities of machine learning in order to
develop controllers that interact with neuronal networks. The project is
part of the Cluster of Excellence "BrainLinks-BrainTools''
(www.brainlinks.uni-freiburg.de <http://www.brainlinks.uni-freiburg.de> )
together with the Bernstein Center Freiburg (www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de
<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de> ) and will combine neuroscience and
engineering.

Our aim is to identify the fundamental principles and boundary conditions
relevant to control network activity with machine learning algorithms and
through various points of intervention. We use cultured neuronal networks on
microelectrode arrays as a model system to test out concepts of network
control. Eventually these concepts will be expanded and adapted to in vivo
applications to improve the efficacy of neurotechnical implants, such as in
deep brain stimulation. 

It is essential that the candidate has a background in neuroscience, ideally
in experimental neurophysiology, an MSc degree and a strong interest in
network analysis. The international PhD training program of the Bernstein
Center Freiburg will help you fill in any knowledge gaps that you may have.

Further details on: www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs
<http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/jobs> 

PhD position on sensorimotor processing in the basal ganglia

A PhD position is available in the new junior research group of Robert
Schmidt in the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools in Freiburg
(Germany). We currently assemble a young, ambitious research team to study
neural foundations of action selection, initiation and execution at the
intersection of computational and experimental neuroscience.

The research project is centered around the analysis of electrophysiological
recordings from rats performing behavioral tasks. 

Our goal is to gain understanding of basal ganglia processing of sensory-
and movement-related information (see e.g. Schmidt et al., 2013. Canceling
actions involves a race between basal ganglia pathways. Nat. Neurosci. 16:
1118-1124.). We want to integrate advanced data analysis methods with
computational modelling and clinical applications (e.g. for Parkinson's
Disease). The project includes close collaborations with computational and
experimental groups in Freiburg (e.g. Ad Aertsen and Arvind Kumar at the
Bernstein Center Freiburg), and internationally (e.g. Joshua Berke at
University of Michigan, USA and Nicolas Mallet at CNRS Bordeaux, France).

The ideal candidate has profound neurobiological knowledge, programming
skills (e.g. Matlab or Python), and mathematical expertise. High motivation
and interest in neuroscientific research is mandatory. Experience in the
analysis of neurophysiological data and computational modelling is a big
plus. Applicants with degrees from interdisciplinary programs such as
computational neuroscience or cognitive science are highly welcome, but
applicants from other disciplines such as biology or physics are also
strongly encouraged to apply.

The position is for three years (65% TV-L E13) and is starting as soon as
possible. 

Please send your CV together with contact details of at least two referees
and a scientific research statement (max. 2 pages) as PDF files to
basal-ganglia at brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de
<mailto:basal-ganglia at brainlinks-braintools.uni-freiburg.de> .

-- Dr. Birgit Ahrens --
Coordinator for the Teaching & Training Programs
Bernstein Center Freiburg
Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg 
Hansastr. 9a 
D - 79104 Freiburg 
Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 761 203-9575
Fax: +49 (0) 761 203-9559

Email:  <mailto:birgit.ahrens at bcf.uni-freiburg.de>
birgit.ahrens at bcf.uni-freiburg.de
Web:  <http://www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de/> www.bcf.uni-freiburg.de

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